The genetic parameters of racing success and longevity in the New Zealand Thoroughbred racing industry

Within the Thoroughbred industry, individual success can be measured with races and prize money won. At an industry level, there is a requirement for horses to be able to race from a young age and have a sustained injury-free career. Therefore, the variance components of such traits were investigated within ASReml for 26,920 New Zealand Thoroughbred racehorses. Age at first competitive high-speed event (trial or race start) had high heritability (h2= 0.52 ± 0.02), and an inverse genetic correlation with career earnings (−0.40 ± 0.05) and number of wins (−0.35 ± 0.06). Career earnings (h2 = 0.24 ± 0.02) had positive genetic and phenotypic correlations (0.59 ± 0.004) with career length, implying that racing success could be a useful selection proxy for career length. Horses that started earlier had longer career length (−0.21 ± 0.07,–0.18 ± 0.01). The low heritability of career length (0.11 ± 0.01) reflects considerable environmental influence on this trait, reinforcing the importance of early training and exercise in increasing career length. Therefore, the optimal strategy is a selection programme focusing on racing success, which improves commercial appeal and is genetically correlated with longevity. A training and racing programme that encourage an early competitive high-speed event would optimise the phenotypic development of the musculoskeletal system and reduce injury risk.fals

Editorial: Mobile DNA element-driven evolution of bacterial pathogens

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Iron-containing supplement use from preconception to six weeks postpartum : a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional survey among postpartum women in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Background: The increased iron intake requirement during pregnancy makes it a more vulnerable time for women to become iron deficient, and oral iron supplement (FeS) is often needed to prevent iron deficiency (ID) and treat ID or iron deficiency anaemia. In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health does not routinely recommend taking oral iron-containing supplements during pregnancy and lactation unless clinically indicated. Limited studies have examined iron containing supplements use in New Zealand. This study aimed to investigate oral iron containing supplements usage before, during, and after pregnancy among a cohort of postpartum women in New Zealand. Methods: This secondary data analysis used data from an anonymous online questionnaire completed by women within six months postpartum, recruited between February and mid-August 2022. This study examined data from demographic and maternal information, and oral FeS and multivitamin supplement (MMNS) use. The formulation and number of women using the different brands of oral FeS and iron-containing MMNS were reported. The average daily elemental iron intake was calculated and categorised into five dose levels: low dose (200 mg/day). Descriptive statistics were reported, including frequencies, percentages, and median (25th, 75th). Results: Of the 863 women who completed the questionnaire, 600 were included in this analysis. Forty-seven oral iron-containing supplements, including 17 types of oral FeS and 30 types of iron-containing MMNS, were reported taken, with an elemental iron dosage between 5-105 mg per tablet/capsule. Six types of iron-containing MMNS were general MMNS, potentially unsuitable for preconception, pregnant and postpartum women to use. Seventy-five percent of women (n=600) took oral FeS, 43.8% (n=569) used iron-containing MMNS at some stage of preconception, during pregnancy and postpartum, with 30.1% using both and 12% using neither. More women used oral iron-containing supplements with higher dosages during pregnancy than postpartum and preconception. The median (25th, 75th) daily dosage was 21.4 (4.6, 60.4) mg in preconception, 39.5 (7.0, 60.4) mg in the first trimester, 60.4 (18.6, 60.4) mg in the second trimester, 60.4 (29.8, 65) mg in the third trimester, and 20.9 (6.3, 60.4) mg in postpartum. Around half of women during pregnancy (42.9% in the first, 48.5% in the second and 50.5% in the third trimester), 34% in postpartum, and 38% in preconception used preventative dosage. The treatment dosage was mainly taken in the second (10.1%) and the third trimester (12.4%), and less than 1% reported high dosage intake (>200 mg). Almost all (90%) oral FeS used were prescribed, while all MMNS were self-purchased, predominately (82%) based on women’s general knowledge either alone (49.5%) or in combination with other reasons such as information from the internet, books or newspapers; or it was recommended by family or friends or a nutritionist (32.5%). Conclusion: Oral iron-containing supplements were frequently used around pregnancy. Women took a wide range/array of brands of oral iron-containing supplements, which varied markedly in the amount of elemental iron they contained. The number of women who used oral iron-containing supplements and their dosage align with the increased iron requirement during pregnancy and decreased needs for postpartum. The Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) played an important role in influencing the decision to use and purchase oral FeS. However, most women who took an iron-containing MMNS did so independently of their LMC. This may have resulted in them selecting a supplement containing a level of elemental iron unsuitable for their requirements. Given that an increasing number of women are choosing to take an MMNS, more research is needed to explore what factors women consider when purchasing a supplement and if it even includes elemental iron content so that they can be better informed when it comes to selecting one that will help meet their iron needs and allow them to achieve optimal iron levels around pregnancy

Origins and diversity of invasive brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand surveyed with mtDNA haplotype and nuclear microsatellite data

The brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula is native to Australia where six subspecies exist in distinct regions. A composite invasive population is established in Aotearoa New Zealand, which has since been subject to localised bouts of culling. We surveyed population genetic structure across New Zealand to identify the scale of genetic diversity introduced to New Zealand and the resulting pattern of admixture. Australian brushtail possums have high mitochondrial diversity (17%) and prominent spatial structure. Thirty-eight haplotypes among 25 New Zealand population samples (n = 465) were closely related to 45 haplotypes sampled from Victoria and Tasmania in Australia (n = 120), but just one was shared. High haplotype diversity is consistent with multiple successful introductions and rapid population expansion in New Zealand. Nuclear diversity of microsatellite loci screened in 18 New Zealand population samples (n = 374) comprised five genotypic clusters (K = 5), but these groups did not correlate with geography. An overall signal of genetic partitioning within the invasive population suggests limited mixing but ongoing management towards eradication will influence patterns of population recovery, migration and evolution of traits including toxin resistance. We consider the implications of mixed ancestry of the invasive population in terms of variation in toxin tolerance detected in New Zealand.fals

Potent inhibition of human monoamine oxidase A and B by phenolic compounds and polyunsaturated fatty acids in tobacco smoke

Smoking is a main cause of premature death and preventable disease in the world. Interestingly, animal studies indicate that inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO), key enzymes for the degradation of neurotransmitters, increased self-administration of nicotine. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the potential MAO inhibitors in tobacco smoke responsible for MAO inhibition in smokers. A bioassay-guided isolation from an extract of tobacco smoke showed that catechol, 4-methylcatechol, hydroquinone, α-linolenic acid, and linoleic acid all displayed potent human MAO inhibitory activity. Additionally, the tobacco catechols 4-ethylcatechol and 4-vinylcatechol were included to test their inhibitory potencies. Catechol, 4-methylcatechol, 4-ethylcatechol, and hydroquinone are potent and irreversible MAO inhibitors. Among the phenolic compounds tested, 4-methylcatechol and 4-ethylcatechol inhibited MAO A with IC50 values of 10.0 and 12.6 μM, respectively, reducing to 0.27 and 0.43 μM after 1 h preincubation. In addition, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid competitively inhibited MAO A with Ki values of 10.50 and 6.95 μM, respectively. These results suggest that MAO inhibition by phenolics and polyunsaturated fatty acids in tobacco smoke may be important contributors to the MAO inhibition experienced by smokers and to the enhancement of nicotine dependence this MAO inhibition is believed to cause.fals

Corporate social responsibility among service sector SMEs in Vietnam: exploring the influence of national context

This study explores how the national context influences corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam’s service sector. Drawing on a multiple case study approach, our study involves 21 in-depth interviews with 17 owner-managers from 13 SMEs. On the one hand, our finding suggest that CSR convergence is primarily driven by three institutional factors: religious and spiritual beliefs, political governance, and socio-economic development. CSR divergence, on the other hand, originates from the interplay between national contextual factors and the organizational environments in which SMEs function, examined through the framework of institutional entrepreneurship. By addressing gaps in previous research—particularly the overlooked role of contextual dynamics in CSR differences among SMEs—this study enhances our understanding by demonstrating how isomorphic pressures and relational mechanisms work together. The study recommends that the government should develop national CSR guidelines and standards, improve monitoring systems, and streamline regulations and standards into a format that is comprehensible to local owner-managers.fals

Long-tenured CEOs and firm performance: too much of a good thing? Evidence from New Zealand

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the association between chief executive officer (CEO) tenure and firm performance. Extended CEO tenure offers the potential for organizational stability, sustained operational coherence and heightened insights into business intricacies. However, longer tenure concurrently fosters complacency and impedes innovation by engendering resistance to change and a deficiency in novel perspectives. The authors’ inquiry seeks to discern the prevailing influence between these contrasting perspectives. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses unbalanced panel data for a unique hand-collected dataset from listed firms in New Zealand (2000–2020) – a country that adopts the principles-based corporate governance regime. The authors perform ordinary least squares, two-stage least squares and propensity score matching tests to examine the relationship between CEO tenure and firm performance. Findings: The authors document a significant positive impact of CEO tenure on firm performance, implying the benefits of long tenure. However, this study further reveals a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between CEO tenure and firm performance, suggesting that such a positive impact can hold up to a certain threshold; after that, long CEO tenure can hinder firm performance. The finding is robust to alternative measures and endogeneity tests and offers important implications for corporate governance policies and practices. Practical implications: The findings highlight the importance of balancing the benefits of long CEO tenure. Practically, firms should prioritize regular evaluation of CEO performance and tenure, emphasize succession planning and foster a culture of innovation to sustain organizational success in the long term. Originality/value: This research offers valuable insights by examining the intricate relationship between CEO tenure and firm performance within the distinct setting of New Zealand. By uncovering both the benefits and drawbacks of long CEO tenure, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of corporate governance dynamics.fals

The effect of lyophilised oral faecal microbial transplantation on functional outcomes in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Objectives: We aimed to determine if oral faecal microbiota transplantation improves indices of glycaemic control, changes the faecal dysbiosis indices, alters faecal short-chain fatty acid and bile acid profiles and increases serum glucagon-like-peptide 1 concentrations in diabetic dogs. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded pilot study, we recruited nine diabetic dogs (five faecal microbiota transplantation and four placebo) and nine healthy controls. Results: Compared to healthy dogs, diabetic dogs had altered faecal short-chain fatty acid and bile acid profiles. In the first 30 days, the faecal microbiota transplantation group had a more rapid decline in interstitial glucose; however, the mean interstitial glucose of the faecal microbiota transplantation recipients did not differ from the placebo recipients at the end of the study. Compared with placebo, faecal microbiota transplantation recipients had a decreased 24-hour water intake at day 60 and increased faecal abundance of Faecalibacterium. Clinical Significance: This study provides a proof of concept for faecal microbiota transplantation in canine diabetes, and its data could inform the design of future large-scale studies. Further investigation is required to determine whether faecal microbiota transplantation would have any role as an adjunctive therapy in canine diabetes and to elucidate the mechanisms by which faecal microbiota transplantation may provide a beneficial clinical effect in canine diabetes.fals

Effects of Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) Metabolites Aucubin, Acteoside, and Catalpol on Methane Emissions In Vitro

Plantain (PL) contains plant secondary metabolites (PSM), such as acteoside, aucubin, and catalpol, known for their bioactive properties. While acteoside and aucubin have been linked to reducing nitrogen losses in grazed pastures, their effects on enteric methane (CH4) emissions remain unexplored. Three in vitro batch culture experiments were conducted to assess the effects of PSM on rumen fermentation, using PL pastures with varying PSM concentrations, purified PSM compounds, and/or their combinations added to ryegrass (Lolium perenne, RG), which does not contain these PSM. Aucubin addition to RG extended the time to reach halftime for gas production (GP) and CH4 by 15-20% due to its antimicrobial effects. Acteoside, alone or with aucubin, promoted propionate production, an alternative hydrogen sink, which reduced the acetate to propionate ratio, increased GP by up to 13%, and decreased CH4 proportion in gas by 5-15%. Aucubin reduced ruminal net ammonia (NH3) production by up to 46%, with a similar reduction observed when combined with acteoside. This study highlights the potential of PSM to mitigate CH4 emissions and reduce nitrogen losses from dairy cows, warranting in vivo evaluation of PSM and targeted breeding of PL pastures with increased PSM content.fals

Reciprocally formed Tragopogon allopolyploids and their diploid parents : a comparative study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Biology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North. Embargoed until 19 December 2025

Allopolyploidy has been a significant evolutionary force across the eukaryotic tree of life, particularly in plants. Newly formed polyploids inherit traits from their progenitors but may also show transgressive characters that allow them to inhabit different areas and/or outcompete their parents in similar habitats. In this thesis, multiple approaches were used to study differences between reciprocally formed allopolyploids (Tragopogon miscellus) and their diploid parents (T. dubius and T. pratensis) in the genus Tragopogon. This system was chosen because the parentage of the allopolyploids is known and the polyploids were recently (within the last 100 years) formed. These four species were analysed for: growth parameters under variable temperature and water conditions; physiology and cellular characteristics; and variations in plastid genomes. Both reciprocally formed polyploids were found to have different growth profiles from each other, with short-liguled Tragopogon miscellus being potentially more robust. Leaf physiology revealed T. dubius had low water use efficiency, but a higher transpiration capacity than the other diploid T. pratensis and the polyploids. Comparison of whole plastid genomes revealed variations in both DNA sequence and base modifications, including methylation patterns, among the four species. Collectively, these results help further our understanding of phenotypic and genotypic evolution in young allopolyploids